Process for preparing alkoxy-pure alkaline earth alkoxides

Abstract

The present invention provides a process for preparing a metal-free alkaline earth methanolate by alcoholysis of an alkaline earth ethanolate with methanol.

1. A process for preparing a metal-free magnesium methanolate of the formula I
   Mg(OMe) 2   (I), 
 comprising an alcoholysis reaction of a reaction mixture containing a compound of the formula II
   Mg(OEt) 2   (II), 
 
 and excess methanol to thereby produce ethanol or a mixture of methanol and ethanol and removing said ethanol or said mixture of methanol and ethanol from said reaction mixture by distillation to complete the reaction and to recover powdered magnesium methanolate.